Abstract
Since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, genomic sequencing has become a prominent tool used by diverse disciplines in modern science. In the past 20 years, the cost of genomic sequencing has decreased exponentially, making it affordable and accessible. Bioinformatic and biological studies have produced significant scientific breakthroughs using the wealth of genomic information now available. Alongside the scientific benefit of genomics, companies offer direct-to-consumer genetic testing which provide health, trait, and ancestry information to the public. A key area that must be addressed is education about what conclusions can be made from this genomic information and integrating genomic education with foundational genetic principles already taught in academic settings. The promise of personal genomics providing disease treatment is exciting, but many challenges remain to validate genomic predictions and diagnostic correlations. Ethical and societal concerns must also be addressed regarding how personal genomic information is used. This genomics revolution provides a powerful opportunity to educate students, clinicians, and the public on scientific and ethical issues in a personal way to increase learning. In this review, we discuss the influence of personal genomics in society and focus on the importance and benefits of genomics education in the classroom, clinics, and the public and explore the potential consequences of personal genomic education.
Highlights
Genomics has become a central pillar driving modern scientific research and discovery
Of the 99 personal genomics studies we identified in the past 19 years, nearly half of the studies were published in the last four years, indicating that genomic education is being implemented at an increased rate in the college setting
Students who received microbiome kits felt the course was more applicable to them than those who analyzed microbiome data from an unidentified individual. While these studies did not directly involve students performing research like in Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), it is important to note that students analyzing personal genomics or microbiome data spent more time studying the topic and their interest increased in comparison to control groups who only received data from an unidentified individual [46,47]
Summary
Genomics has become a central pillar driving modern scientific research and discovery. Many health care professionals remain concerned about direct-to-consumer genomic profiling, as results may lack clinical validity, can be misinterpreted by patients, and can psychologically impact some patients’ well-being [11,13,14]. For these reasons, genetic counselors are trained to interpret results and provide education to patients to help them make informed healthcare decisions, yet many people are unlikely to utilize genetic counselors and opt to interpret their results on their own or see a physician instead [15]. We discuss recent literature on personal genomics education in academic, professional, and public settings and examine the benefits for enhanced student learning in the classroom and potential consequences of personal genomic education
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